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My baby has a birthmark on her face - what caused it and can I get it removed?.
A
There are different types of birthmark
and it is important to see your GP to define which birthmark your daughter has.
This is because some birthmarks have links with other more serious medical conditions
called Sturge-Weber Syndrome, and Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome. The site of the
birthmark too is very important, and this will affect what kinds of treatment
she may be able to have. Your GP will be able to advise you on the type of treatment
your baby can have or he may refer you to see a specialist skin doctor called
a dermatologist and you will be able to get a lot of advice from him.
- Some birthmarks are flat
and deep red or purple in colour and these are often called port wine stains,
these are thought to be caused by a fault in the normal dilation and contraction
of the small blood vessels called capillaries. As a result the capillaries
stay dilated in the area which results in the red colour.
- Other types of birthmarks
are called haemangioma these too are red in colour but can grow quite rapidly
and then just disappear. Another type of birthmark is called a congenital
melanocytic naevi. These are often brown in colour and are thought to be caused
by an over production of the melanin in the skin. Melanin in the skin protects
it from sun damage by tanning, hence the brown colour found in birthmarks.
Early intervention from your GP is the key here to put your mind at rest.
health visitor
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